Neurology of Language 61
Chapter 13: The Neurology of Language
Chapter Overview and Objectives
This chapter introduces students to concepts related to normal and abnormal language
processing by the brain. After completing this chapter, students should be able to
٪ Identify and explain the function of the major language-related structures in the
brain.
٪ Describe the major contributions of Broca, Wernicke, and Penfield and Roberts to
neurolinguistics.
Key Terms and Concepts
central nervous system
lower brain stem
higher brain stem
cerebellum
cerebrum
corpus callosum
frontal lobe
angular gyrus
Heschl’s gyrus
primary motor cortex
localizationist view
holist view
Broca’s area
Wernicke’s area
dichotic listening
right/left ear advantage
split brain
stereognosis
Broca’s aphasia
Wernicke’s aphasia
neologism
Commentary on Chapter 13
Perhaps the most intimidating feature of this chapter is the amount of technical terminology
that it introduces. Some of the anatomical features discussed will be easier for students to
understand if you can bring a model of the human brain to class (if your university has a
medical school, you may be able to borrow one from a colleague there, or your department
can order one fairly inexpensively from a medical school supply house).
Suggested Answers to Exercises
Exercise A, p. 284
1. No. Breathing and heart rate are controlled by the central nervous system, but they’re
62 Neurology of Language
Exercise B, p. 286
Exercise C, p. 289
Exercise D, p. 291
Exercise F, p. 293
Exercise F, p. 294
Exercise G, p. 296
Exercise H, p. 298–299
e. Wernicke’s aphasia
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Supplementary Exercises, pp. 300–303
1. a. F (grammatical morphemes)
d. F (occipital)
Exploratory Exercises, pp. 303–304
1. Answers will vary.
2. Answers will vary.
3. Answers will vary. However, doing multiple tasks is more difficult than doing a single task.